Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor play, vacations, camps, and family activities, but warmer temperatures also bring important safety concerns for children.
Sun Protection
Children’s skin can burn quickly, even on cloudy days. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming
- Wearing hats and lightweight protective clothing
- Avoiding peak sun hours when possible
Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
Hydration Matters
Children can become dehydrated faster than adults, especially during sports and outdoor play. Encourage frequent water breaks throughout the day, even if children say they are not thirsty.
Signs of dehydration may include:
- Dry lips
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Decreased urination
Water Safety
Water can be a great source of fun and exercise for kids, but it also comes with serious risks. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and it can happen in less than a minute, often without splashing or yelling. Because drowning is usually silent, constant supervision is essential anytime children are near water, including pools, lakes, bathtubs, and even splash pads.
Here are several important ways families can help keep children safe around water:
- Always provide close, undistracted adult supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol while supervising.
- Use properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating or swimming in open water. Water wings and inflatable floats are not safe substitutes for life jackets. For Watch this quick video on choosing the right life jacket.
- Enroll children in swim lessons when developmentally appropriate. Swim lessons can help reduce drowning risk, but they do not replace supervision. Talk with your pediatrician about when your child may be ready to start lessons.
- Install secure pool fencing. Home pools should have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to help prevent unsupervised access.
- Learn CPR. In an emergency, knowing CPR can save a child’s life while waiting for first responders to arrive.
- Families can also take the Pool Safely Water Safety Pledge to commit to safer swimming habits and help prevent childhood drowning.
A safe summer starts with preparation and healthy habits.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, our office is available by phone 24/7. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.